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From Sessions to Connections: Your Guide to #NAMSS25

By Karen Claxton, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, FMSP

Last year, I had the privilege of working with NAMSS staff to develop this year’s conference theme, tagline, and design. All of it was out of my comfort zone, but I had a lot of fun with it. Now it is almost here, and I hope you are planning to attend the NAMSS 49^th Educational Conference & Exhibition in Portland. The conference committee has put together a full schedule of sessions and opportunities to boost our skills and network with our fellow MSPs.

This year’s conference will feature three general sessions, a business meeting, and sessions designed to connect and reflect.  Our keynote speakers will be sure to energize, inspire, and motivate us. With 45 different sessions to choose from, there will be something for everyone!

Whether this will be your first NAMSS conference or one of many you have attended, we all want to make the most of it. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this year’s NAMSS conference:

1. Start with the proper mindset: If you are an introvert or shy, conferences may be a little uncomfortable. Before you board the plane to Portland, spend some time reflecting on your goals for attending the conference. What are your objectives? Expanding your network, finding a mentor, gaining ideas, growing professionally? Don’t just passively attend the conference. Use the opportunity to advance your professional objectives. 
2. Get familiar with the mobile app: Spend some time learning the app and use it to plan your days and connect with other attendees.
3. Be strategic with your time: Choose sessions wisely. Select varied sessions that meet your content goals or interpersonal goals. There will be times when you would like to attend two sessions, but they are being held concurrently.  If you are attending the conference with colleagues, use a tag team approach to concurrent sessions. Spread out and attend different sessions. At the end of each day or after the conference, you can share information with each other. Consider attending at least one session in an area that you are not familiar with. You may discover a new passion or opportunity. Bring plenty of business cards to share.
4. Take notes: Document key takeaways to share with your boss and colleagues. Make sure you review the notes when you return to the office so that you can implement new ideas and concepts into your daily practice. Be sure to take advantage of our “Tell Your Boss” one-pagers for each session; they can be found in the mobile app.
5. Introduce yourself:  Don’t just hang out with your friends and co-workers. Meet new people and make new friends. MSPs are the friendliest and most inclusive group you will find. Don’t be afraid to approach others.  
6. Attend social events: You don’t want to miss the opening reception on Sunday evening. It will be a great time to meet people and get into the conference spirit. Be sure to attend the Wonderfully Weird: Uniquely Portland reception on Monday evening to meet new people and interact with our exhibitors. Join your fellow MSPs in the exhibit hall during breaks each day and join a Connect and Reflect Session on Tuesday afternoon. 
7. Get Involved: Join one of several networking sessions designed to connect you with the NAMSS Board of Directors and Committee Chairs. If you’ve been considering getting involved with NAMSS, this is a great opportunity to meet and learn from others.  
8. Participate in sessions: There are several interactive sessions and networking opportunities each day. Be an active contributor. Raise your hand, share experiences, make recommendations, and engage.
9. Be authentic: Just be yourself. Being authentic creates stronger and more trusting relationships. Besides, putting on a false facade is a lot of work!
10. Self-care: With all the awesome sessions and activities, don’t forget to get some rest.  A wellness event is scheduled each day. Join fellow MSPs in the wellness room for some quiet and relaxation.
11. Dress for success: Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes! You get your steps in at conference, and some rooms are cooler than others.
12. Put down the phone: We will be using our phones to access the conference app, but try not to get distracted by work emails. We know our offices can’t seem to run without us, but the conference is your professional “me time”. Be present.
13. Visit the exhibitors: Connect with our sponsors and exhibitors and let them know how much we appreciate their support. They always offer important professional information and have fun giveaways. 
14. Follow up: Use the business cards you collect at conference for future collaborations. Connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn.
15. Say thank you: Be sure to tell your boss thank you for supporting your attendance at the conference. Share the new concepts, ideas, and contacts that you made at conference. Start the conversation on attending the NAMSS 50^th Educational Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans next year!

I look forward to seeing you in Portland!

References:

https://advisingmatters.berkeley.edu/getting-most-out-professional-conference

https://hbr.org/2015/07/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-conferenc